Waterloo Region —  The Region's long term care home is a full-time campus for students as part of a plan to improve seniors’ lives and get more Personal Support Workers into the workforce.  

Through the Living Classroom program, students from St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education receive their full education and real time experience at Sunnyside Home in Kitchener. 

“Students learn in real time from teachers, residents, and staff," says Julie Wheeler, Director of Seniors' Services and Sunnyside Home. "They learn hands on how to best use the equipment, and residents guide them on how to positively impact their day and give care in the best way."  

The program was built on the belief that caring for people is about more than meeting their physical needs – it's about human connection. Each student gets paired with a resident to get to know their interests and needs. 

"To help address the growing PSW shortage, we need to move away from placements that don’t give people real life experience and provide opportunities to integrate learning so students see the impact they can have on people’s lives," says Julie.  

A survey of the 2026 cohort found the best part of the experience was bonding with residents. Overall findings indicate the Living Classroom is performing very well with students reporting high levels of program satisfaction.  

"Seniors deserve the highest quality of care, and bringing eager, passionate students into their home creates joy, energy, and meaningful moments," says Regional Chair Karen Redman. "The Living Classroom is yet another example of how the Region doesn't just adapt to the future - we shape it through partnerships and innovative thinking." 

The program is funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging through the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators.  

Additional funders include Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Region of Waterloo, and Sunnyside Foundation and Fabulous Finds Gift Shop.   

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